U.S. patent application number 10/649149 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for method, system and program product for calculating relationship strengths between users of a computerized network.
This patent application is currently assigned to International Business Machines Corporation. Invention is credited to Solari, Jaime.
Application Number | 20050050158 10/649149 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34216883 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050050158 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Solari, Jaime |
March 3, 2005 |
Method, system and program product for calculating relationship
strengths between users of a computerized network
Abstract
Under the present invention a set of values is first determined.
Such values include: a relative total value that is based on a
total quantity of electronic interactions between a first user and
a second user of the computerized network; a relative exclusive
value that is based on a total quantity of electronic interactions
exclusively between the first user and the second user; a relative
longevity value that is based on a length of time the first user
and the second user have been electronically interacting; and a
relative recency value that is based on a recency of electronic
interactions between the first user and the second user. Once
determined, the values are weighted to yield normalized values. To
calculate the relationship strength, the normalized values are
summed and compared to a predetermined standard.
Inventors: |
Solari, Jaime; (Yonkers,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOFFMAN WARNICK & D'ALESSANDRO, LLC
3 E-COMM SQUARE
ALBANY
NY
12207
|
Assignee: |
International Business Machines
Corporation
Armonk
NY
|
Family ID: |
34216883 |
Appl. No.: |
10/649149 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
709/217 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 707/99933 20130101;
G06Q 50/01 20130101; G06Q 10/10 20130101; G06Q 50/188 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/217 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/16; G06F
017/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A method for calculating relationships strengths between users
of a computerized network, comprising: determining a relative total
value based on a total quantity of electronic interactions between
a first user and a second user of the computerized network;
determining a relative exclusive value based on a total quantity of
electronic interactions exclusively between the first user and the
second user; determining a relative longevity value based on a
length of time the first user and the second user have been
electronically interacting; determining a relative recency value
based a recency of electronic interactions between the first user
and the second user; weighting the relative total value, the
relative exclusive value, the relative recency value and the
relative longevity value to yield normalized values; and
calculating a relationship strength between the first user and the
second user based on the normalized values.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining a
relative total value comprises determining a ratio of a total
quantity of electronic interactions transmitted between the first
user and the second user to a total quantity of electronic
interactions transmitted between the first user and all other
users.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining a
relative exclusive value comprises determining a ratio of a total
quantity of electronic interactions transmitted between the first
user and the second user in which the second user is an exclusive
recipient, to a total quantity of electronic interactions
transmitted exclusively between the first user and all other
users.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining a
relative recency value comprises determining a ratio of a sum of
absolute interaction dates between the first user and the second
user from a reference date, to a maximum sum of absolute
interaction dates between the first user and all other users.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining a
relative longevity value comprises determining a ratio of a sum of
absolute interaction dates from a midpoint date between a first
interaction and a last interaction between the first user and the
second user, to a maximum sum of absolute interaction dates between
the first user and all other users.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculating step comprises
summing the normalized values to yield the relationship strength
between the first user and the second user.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic interactions are
selected from the group consisting of electronic mail messages,
instant message, calendar entries and contact list entries.
8. A system for detecting relationships strengths between users of
a computerized network, comprising: a value calculation system for
determining: a relative total value based on a total quantity of
electronic interactions between a first user and a second user of
the computerized network, a relative exclusive value based on a
total quantity of electronic interactions exclusively between the
first user and the second user, a relative longevity value based on
a length of time the first user and the second user have been
electronically interacting, and a relative recency value based a
recency of electronic interactions between the first user and the
second user; and a strength calculation system for weighting the
relative total value, the relative exclusive value, the relative
recency value and the relative longevity value to yield normalized
values, and for calculating a relationship strength between the
first user and the second user based on the normalized values.
9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a statistic collection
system for collecting statistics corresponding to electronic
interactions between the users of the electronic network, wherein
the statistics are used by the value calculation system to
determine the relative total value, the relative exclusive value,
the relative recency value and the relative longevity value.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the relative total value
comprises a ratio of a total quantity of electronic interactions
transmitted between the first user and the second user to a total
quantity of electronic interactions transmitted between the first
user and all other users.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the relative exclusive value
comprises a ratio of a total quantity of electronic interactions
transmitted between the first user and the second user in which the
second user is an exclusive recipient, to a total quantity of
electronic interactions transmitted exclusively between the first
user and all other users.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein the relative recency value
comprises a ratio of a sum of absolute interaction dates between
the first user and the second user from a reference date, to a
maximum sum of absolute interaction dates between the first user
and all other users
13. The system claim 8, wherein the relative longevity value
comprises a ratio of a sum of absolute interaction dates from a
midpoint date between a first interaction and a last interaction
between the first user and the second user, to a maximum sum of
absolute interaction dates between the first user and all other
users.
14. The system of claim 8, wherein the strength calculation system
comprises: a weighting system for weighting the relative total
volume, the relative exclusive volume, the relative recency value
and the relative longevity value to yield the normalized values;
and a summation system for summing the normalized values to yield
the relationship strength between the first user and the second
user.
15. The system of claim 8, wherein the electronic interactions are
selected from the group consisting of electronic mail messages,
instant message, calendar entries and contact list entries.
16. A program product stored on a recordable medium for detecting
relationships strengths between users of a computerized network,
comprising: program code for determining: a relative total value
based on a total quantity of electronic interactions between a
first user and a second user of the computerized network, a
relative exclusive value based on a total quantity of electronic
interactions exclusively between the first user and the second
user, a relative longevity value based on a length of time the
first user and the second user have been electronically
interacting, and a relative recency value based a recency of
electronic interactions between the first user and the second user;
and program code for weighting the relative total value, the
relative exclusive value, the relative recency value and the
relative longevity value to yield normalized values, and for
calculating a relationship strength between the first user and the
second user based on the normalized values.
17. The program product of claim 16, further comprising program
code for collecting statistics corresponding to electronic
interactions between the users of the electronic network, wherein
the statistics are used to determine the relative total value, the
relative exclusive value, the relative recency value and the
relative longevity value.
18. The program product of claim 16, wherein the relative total
value comprises a ratio of a total quantity of electronic
interactions transmitted between the first user and the second user
to a total quantity of electronic interactions transmitted between
the first user and all other users.
19. The program product of claim 16, wherein the relative exclusive
value comprises a ratio of a total quantity of electronic
interactions transmitted between the first user and the second user
in which the second user is an exclusive recipient, to a total
quantity of electronic interactions transmitted exclusively between
the first user and all other users.
20. The program product of claim 16, wherein the relative recency
value comprises a ratio of a sum of absolute interaction dates
between the first user and the second user from a reference date,
to a maximum sum of absolute interaction dates between the first
user and all other users
21. The program product of claim 16, wherein the relative longevity
value comprises a ratio of a sum of absolute interaction dates from
a midpoint date between a first interaction and a last interaction
between the first user and the second user, to a maximum sum of
absolute interaction dates between the first user and all other
users.
22. The program product of claim 16, wherein the normalized values
are summed to yield the relationship strength between the first
user and the second user.
23. The program product of claim 16, wherein the electronic
interactions are selected from the group consisting of electronic
mail messages, instant message, calendar entries and contact list
entries.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATION APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related in some aspects to commonly
owned U.S. application Ser. No. 10/323,568, filed Dec. 12, 2002 and
entitled DETECT AND QUALIFY RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PEOPLE AND FIND
THE BEST PATH THROUGH THE RESULTING SOCIAL NETWORK, herein
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to a method, system
and program product for calculating relationship strengths between
users of a computerized network. Specifically, the present
invention calculates relationship strengths between the users based
on the electronic interactions therebetween.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Computer networks are becoming a powerful tool in business.
For example, today, many businesses implement private networks such
as a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Virtual
Private Network (VPN), etc. in an effort to streamline business
processes and connect employees with each other. Such networks are
especially useful in large organizations where employees are
located in different geographic regions. Further, such networks can
provide a central way for employees to communicate with each other,
to access resources (e.g., documents), etc. In optimizing a
network, it could be advantageous to recognize patterns in
employees' interactions. That is, it could be advantageous to know
the various relationship strengths between employees. Knowledge of
relationship strengths is typically useful for expertise location,
referral in knowledge management, electronic mail filtering,
categorization in messaging, resource organization from data
mining, etc. For example, employee "A" might require expertise in a
particular area. Upon searching a company database, employee "A"
might realize that employee "B" in another location has the needed
expertise. It would be advantageous for employee "A" to be able to
determine if he/she has a relationship in common with employee "B"
who could make an introduction.
[0006] Unfortunately, calculating a relationship strength between
two individuals is not an easy task. In the above-incorporated
patent application, several factors relating to relationship
strength detection were discussed. For example, the quantity of
times an employee e-mailed another could be an indication of their
relationship strength. Further, the number of times an employee
appeared in another employee's calendar was discussed as being an
indicator of relationship strength. In any event, the amount of
data required to make such determinations often makes implementing
such systems overly burdensome. Moreover, the accuracy of the
results could not be guaranteed, especially in special cases.
[0007] In view of the foregoing, there exists a need for a method,
system and program product for calculating relationship strengths
between users of a computerized network. Specifically, a need
exists for a system that can calculate relationship strengths with
an high level of accuracy, and without requiring a large volume of
data to be collected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In general, the present invention provides a method, system
and program product for calculating relationship strengths between
users of a computerized network. Specifically, under the present
invention a set of values is first determined. Such values include:
a relative total value that is based on a total quantity of
electronic interactions between a first user and a second user of
the computerized network; a relative exclusive value that is based
on a total quantity of electronic interactions exclusively between
the first user and the second user; a relative longevity value that
is based on a length of time the first user and the second user
have been electronically interacting; and a relative recency value
that is based on a recency of electronic interactions between the
first user and the second user. Once determined, these values are
weighted to yield normalized values. To calculate the relationship
strength, the normalized values are summed and compared to a
predetermined standard.
[0009] A first aspect of the present invention provides a method
for calculating relationships strengths between users of a
computerized network, comprising: determining a relative total
value based on a total quantity of electronic interactions between
a first user and a second user of the computerized network;
determining a relative exclusive value based on a total quantity of
electronic interactions exclusively between the first user and the
second user; determining a relative longevity value based on the
length of time the first user and the second user have been
electronically interacting; determining a relative recency value
based the recency of electronic interactions between the first user
and the second user; weighting the relative total value, the
relative exclusive value, the relative recency value and the
relative longevity value to yield normalized values; and
calculating a relationship strength between the first user and the
second user based on the normalized values.
[0010] A second aspect of the present invention provides a system
for detecting relationships strengths between users of a
computerized network, comprising: a value calculation system for
determining: a relative total value based on a total quantity of
electronic interactions between a first user and a second user of
the computerized network, a relative exclusive value based on a
total quantity of electronic interactions exclusively between the
first user and the second user, a relative longevity value based on
a length of time the first user and the second user have been
electronically interacting, and a relative recency value based a
recency of electronic interactions between the first user and the
second user; and a strength calculation system for weighting the
relative total value, the relative exclusive value, the relative
recency value and the relative longevity value to yield normalized
values, and for calculating a relationship strength between the
first user and the second user based on the normalized values.
[0011] A third aspect of the present invention provides a program
product stored on a recordable medium for detecting relationships
strengths between users of a computerized network, comprising:
program code for determining: a relative total value based on a
total quantity of electronic interactions between a first user and
a second user of the computerized network, a relative exclusive
value based on a total quantity of electronic interactions
exclusively between the first user and the second user, a relative
longevity value based on a length of time the first user and the
second user have been electronically interacting, and a relative
recency value based a recency of electronic interactions between
the first user and the second user; and
[0012] program code for weighting the relative total value, the
relative exclusive value, the relative recency value and the
relative longevity value to yield normalized values, and for
calculating a relationship strength between the first user and the
second user based on the normalized values.
[0013] Therefore, the present invention provides a method, system
and program product for calculating a relationship strength between
users of a computerized network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0014] These and other features of this invention will be more
readily understood from the following detailed description of the
various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 depicts a system for calculating relationship
strengths between users of a computerized network according to the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 depicts the relationship system of FIG. 1 in greater
detail.
[0017] FIG. 3 depicts method flow diagram according to the present
invention.
[0018] The drawings are merely schematic representations, not
intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The
drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the
invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the
scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents
like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] As indicated above, the present invention provides a method,
system and program product for calculating relationship strengths
between users of a computerized network. Specifically, under the
present invention a set of values is first determined. Such values
include: a relative total value that is based on a total quantity
of electronic interactions between a first user and a second user
of the computerized network; a relative exclusive value that is
based on a total quantity of electronic interactions exclusively
between the first user and the second user; a relative longevity
value that is based on a length of time the first user and the
second user have been electronically interacting; and a relative
recency value that is based on a recency of electronic interactions
between the first user and the second user. Once determined, these
values are weighted to yield normalized values. To calculate the
relationship strength, the normalized values are summed and
compared to a predetermined standard.
[0020] It should be understood in advance that as used herein the
term "electronic interaction" typically refers to an electronic
mail message or an instant message. However, "electronic
interaction" should also be understood to refer to an electronic
calendar entry, a contact list entry or any other way in which
computer users can interact over a computerized network. It should
also be understood that as used herein the term "between" (as used
to describe electronic interactions between users) is intended to
be bi-directional. For example, if there are 10 electronic
interactions between users "A" and "B," the 10 electronic
interactions could be from user "A" to user "B," from user "B" to
user "A," or any combination thereof.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 1, a system 10 for calculating
relationship strengths between users 14A-C is shown. As depicted,
users 14A-C operate clients 16A-C to communicate with each other
over a computerized network. The computerized network can be any
type of public network such as the Internet, or any type of private
network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network
(WAN), a virtual private network (VPN), etc. To this extent,
communication between clients 16A-C and server 12 could occur via a
direct hardwired connection (e.g., serial port), or via an
addressable connection that may utilize any combination of wireline
and/or wireless transmission methods. Server 12 and clients 16A-C
may utilize conventional network connectivity, such as Token Ring,
Ethernet, WiFi or other conventional communications standards.
Moreover, connectivity could be provided by conventional TCP/IP
sockets-based protocol. In this instance, clients 16A-C would
utilize an Internet service provider to establish connectivity to
server 12. Further, server 12 can be any type of server that
fosters electronic interaction between users 14A-C. For example,
server 12 can be a web server, an application server, an electronic
mail server or the like.
[0022] In general, server 12 comprises central processing unit
(CPU) 18, memory 20, bus 22, input/output (I/O) interfaces 24,
external devices/resources 26 and storage unit 28. CPU 18 may
comprise a single processing unit, or be distributed across one or
more processing units in one or more locations, e.g., on a client
and computer system. Memory 20 may comprise any known type of data
storage and/or transmission media, including magnetic media,
optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM),
a data cache, a data object, etc. Moreover, similar to CPU 18,
memory 20 may reside at a single physical location, comprising one
or more types of data storage, or be distributed across a plurality
of physical systems in various forms.
[0023] I/O interfaces 24 may comprise any system for exchanging
information to/from an external source. External devices/resources
26 may comprise any known type of external device, including
speakers, a CRT, LCD screen, hand-held device, keyboard, mouse,
voice recognition system, speech output system, printer,
monitor/display, facsimile, pager, etc. Bus 22 provides a
communication link between each of the components in server 12 and
likewise may comprise any known type of transmission link,
including electrical, optical, wireless, etc.
[0024] Storage unit 28 can be any system (e.g., a database) capable
of providing storage for information under the present invention.
Such information could include, among other things, statistics such
as electronic interaction quantities and dates, etc. As such,
storage unit 28 could include one or more storage devices, such as
a magnetic disk drive or an optical disk drive. In another
embodiment, storage unit 28 could include data distributed across,
for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN)
or a storage area network (SAN) (not shown). It should be
understood that clients 16A-C will typically include computerized
components (e.g., CPU, memory, etc.) similar to server 12. Such
components have not been shown for brevity purposes.
[0025] Shown in memory 20 of server 12 are interaction program 30
and relationship system 32. Interaction program 30 is intended to
represent any type of program that facilitates electronic
interaction between users 14A-C. For example, interaction program
30 could be an electronic mail program (e.g., LOTUS NOTES, which is
commercially available from International Business Machines Corp.
of Armonk, N.Y.), an instant messaging program, etc. To this
extent, although not shown, clients 16A-C will typically include
one or more programs that are complimentary to interaction program
30 on server 12. As will be further described below, relationship
system 32 includes program code for calculating relationship
strengths between users 14A-C. In general, the relationship
strengths are calculated by measuring certain statistics
corresponding to electronic interactions between users 14A-C. For
example, as an electronic mail message is communicated from user
14A to user 14B, the message will pass through, and be routed by
interaction program 30. As the message is being routed, statistics
pertaining to the electronic interaction are collected. Relevant
statistics include identifying the users that the electronic
interaction involved (e.g., sender and recipient(s)), the total
quantity of electronic interactions between those users to date,
the date of the electronic interaction, etc. This information is
used to determine how strong the relationship is between users 14A
and 14B.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 2, a more detailed diagram of
relationship system 32 is shown. As depicted, relationship system
32 includes statistic collection system 40, value calculation
system 42 and strength calculation system 44. As users 14A-C are
interacting electronically, statistic collection system 40 will
collect the statistics necessary to calculate the relationship
strengths, and store the same in storage unit 28 (FIG. 1). As
indicated above, relevant statistics include who the electronic
interaction was between, a total quantity of electronic
interactions between users 14A-C, as well as the date of each
electronic interaction. For example, each time an electronic mail
message is transmitted from user 14A to user 14B, statistic
collection system 40 could update one or more entries in a table to
reflect the interaction. Updating the entries could include
incrementing a counter corresponding to the total quantity of
electronic interactions between users 14A and 14B, and/or recording
the date of the transmission. Regardless, once collected, the
statistics are used by value calculation system 42 to determine a
set of relative values that will be used to calculate the overall
relationship strengths between users 14A-C. Such values include a
relative total value, a relative exclusive value, a relative
recency value and a relative longevity value. As will be further
described below, the relative total value and the relative
exclusive value generally pertain to a quantity of electronic
interactions between two users. The relative recency value and the
relative longevity value generally pertain to the currency and
duration of the relationship between two users. Accordingly, the
quantity or count of electronic interactions between two users is
relevant in determining the relative total value and the relative
exclusive value, while the date of electronic interactions is
useful in determining the relative recency value and the relative
longevity value.
[0027] As shown, value calculation system 42 includes total value
system 46, exclusive value system 48, recency value system 50 and
longevity value system 52. These systems are programmed to
calculate the above-mentioned relative values. It should be
understood that value calculation system 42 could be represented in
a different quantity of subsystems. It is shown as such for
illustrative purposes only. In any event, for a relationship
between two specific users (e.g., 14A and 14B), total value system
42 will determine the relative total value. As indicated above, the
relative total value for two specific users is based on a total
quantity of electronic interactions between the two users.
Specifically, the relative total value is a ratio of a total
quantity of electronic interactions transmitted between the first
user and the second user, to a total quantity of electronic
interactions transmitted between the first user and all other
users. For example, assume the following statistics were recorded
by statistic collection system 40:
[0028] Total interactions between user 14A and user 14B: 10
[0029] Total interactions between user 14B and user 14C: 20
[0030] Total interactions between user 14A and user 14C: 30
[0031] In this case, since user 14A interacted with user 14B 10
times and all other users (i.e. user 14C) 30 times, the relative
total value between users 14A and 14B would be {fraction (10/30)}
or 33.33%. Once calculated, total value system 46 could store this
value in storage unit 28 (FIG. 1).
[0032] Using a similar technique, exclusive value system 48 will
calculate the relative exclusive value for users. In general, the
relative exclusive value is based on a total quantity of electronic
interactions exclusively between the first user and the second
user. That is, the relative exclusive value represents electronic
interactions with only one recipient such as from a first user to a
second user (i.e., a one to one electronic interaction). To this
extent, the relative exclusive value is a ratio of a total quantity
of electronic interactions transmitted between the first user and
the second user in which the second user is an exclusive recipient,
to a total quantity of electronic interactions transmitted
exclusively between the first user and all other users. For
example, assume the following statistics:
[0033] Total one to one interactions between user 14A and user 14B:
2
[0034] Total one to one interactions between user 14B and user 14C:
5
[0035] Total one to one interactions between user 14A and user 14C:
25
[0036] In this case, since there were 2 one to one electronic
interactions between users 14A and 14B, and 25 between users 14A
and 14C, the relative exclusive value between users 14A and 14B is
{fraction (2/25)} or 8%.
[0037] Longevity value system 50 will use date statistics to
determine the relative longevity value, which generally measures
the length or duration of a relationship. To this extent, the
relative longevity value is based on the dates of electronic
interactions between the users. Specifically, the relative
longevity value for a given relationship between a first user and a
second user is a ratio of the sum of absolute interaction dates in
months (or some other unit of time) from the midpoint date between
the first and last interaction for the relationship, to the maximum
(greatest) sum of the absolute interaction dates in months for all
of the first user's relationships. For example, assume the
following electronic interactions:
[0038] Interactions between 14A and 14B:
[0039] 1 interaction on Jan. 1, 2003
[0040] 1 interaction on Feb. 1, 2003
[0041] 1 interaction on Jun. 1, 2003
[0042] Interactions between 14B and 14C:
[0043] 1 interaction on Jan. 1, 2003
[0044] 1 interaction on Feb. 1, 2003
[0045] 1 interaction on Mar. 1, 2003
[0046] Interactions between 14B and 14C:
[0047] 1 interaction on Jan. 1, 2003
[0048] 1 interaction on May 1, 2003
[0049] 1 interaction on Jun. 1, 2003
[0050] In measuring an absolute interaction date, the difference in
time in months between the midpoint date between the first and last
electronic interaction, and the interaction date must be
determined. For example, for electronic interactions between users
14A and 14B, the interaction dates are Jan. 1, 2003, Feb. 1, 2003
and Jun. 1, 2003. Accordingly, the midpoint between the first (Jan,
1, 2003) and last (Jun. 1, 2003) interaction dates is Mar. 15,
2003. To calculate absolute interaction dates for the electronic
interactions between users 14A and 14B, the differences between
this midpoint value and the respective interaction dates are
determined and summed. Thus, the sum of absolute interaction dates
in months for the relationship between users 14A and 14B based on
the above statistics is calculated as follows:
(Mar. 15, 2003-Jun. 1, 2003)+(Mar. 15, 2003-Feb. 1, 2003)+(Mar. 15,
2003-Jan 1, 2003)=2.5 months+1.5 months+2.5 months=6.5 months
[0051] Similarly, the sum of the absolute interaction dates in
months for the relationship between users 14B and 14C (with the
midpoint value being Feb. 1, 2002):
(Feb. 1, 2002-Jan. 1, 2002)+(Feb. 1, 2002-Feb. 1, 2002)+(Feb. 1,
2002-Mar. 1, 2002)=1 months+0 months+1 months=2 months
[0052] The sum of the absolute interaction dates in months for the
relationship between users 14A and 14C (with the midpoint value
being Mar. 15, 2003):
(Mar. 15, 2003-Jun. 1, 2003)+(Mar. 15, 2003-May 1, 2003)+(Mar. 15,
2003-Jan. 1, 2003)=2.5 months+1.5 months+2.5 months=6.5 months
[0053] These values each serve as the numerator for the relative
longevity values (ratios).
[0054] They are also used to determine the maximum (greatest) sum
for each user, which become the denominator in each ratio. It
should be understood in advance, however, that under the present
invention there are at least two ways of calculating the relative
longevity ratio/value and the relative recency ratio/value
(described in greater detail below). The first is uni-directional
where the ratio from user 14A to user 14B is different from the
ratio from user 14B to user 14A. The second way is bi-directional
where the ratio from user 14A to user 14B is equal to the ratio
from user 14B to user 14A. The former is advantageous if the values
need to be normalized around user 14A. The later is advantageous if
the values need to be normalized around the relationship. For
example if the results will be presented to user 14A then the
uni-directional approach should be used. If the values will be used
by an administrator who is looking at the social network as a whole
then the bi-directional way is likely better. This notion applies
to both the relative longevity value, as well as the relative
recency value which will be further described below. However, for
the illustrative examples described herein, the bi-directional
method be shown.
[0055] Accordingly, based on the above-calculated values, the
maximum sum of the absolute interaction dates in months for user
14A is 6.5 months. Specifically, two of the above-calculated values
involved user 14A. Namely, the relationship between users 14A and
14B, as well as the relationship between users 14A and 14C.
Accordingly, the maximum sum of the interaction dates for users
14A-C using the bi-directional method is calculated as follows:
For user 14A MAX (6.5 months or 6.5 months)=6.5 months
For user 14B MAX (2.0 months or 6.5 months)=6.5 months
For user 14C MAX (6.5 months or 2.0 months)=6.5 months
[0056] Accordingly:
For users 14A-B MAX (6.5 months, 6.5 months)=6.5 months
For users 14B-C MAX (6.5 months, 6.5 months)=6.5 months
For users 14A-C MAX (6.5 months, 6.5 months)=6.5 months
[0057] These MAX values are then used as the denominator for the
three relative recency values (ratios). Thus, the relative recency
value between users 14A and 14B=6.5/6.5=1 or 100%.
[0058] Similarly, the relative recency volume between users 14B and
14C=2.0/6.5=0.31 or 31%.
[0059] Lastly, the relative recency value between users 14A and
14C=6.5/6.5=1 or 100%.
[0060] After longevity value system 50 has determined the relative
longevity values, recency value system 52 will calculate a relative
recency value for each relationship. Similar the relative longevity
value, the relative recency value is based on dates of interaction
and can be calculated on a uni-directional basis or a
bi-directional basis. Under the present invention, a relative
recency value for a relationship between a first user and a second
user is a ratio of the sum of absolute interaction dates in months
(or some other unit of time) for the relationship from some
reference date, to the maximum sum of absolute interaction dates in
months for all of the first user's relationships. For example,
assume the following electronic interactions:
[0061] Interactions between users 14A and 14B:
[0062] 1 interaction on Jan. 1, 2003
[0063] 1 interaction on Feb. 1, 2003
[0064] Interactions between users 14B and 14C:
[0065] 1 interaction on Jan. 1, 2002
[0066] 1 interaction on Feb. 1, 2002
[0067] Interactions between users 14A and 14C:
[0068] 1 interaction on Jan. 1, 2003
[0069] 1 interaction on May 1, 2003
[0070] First, the sum of absolute interaction dates for each
relationship must be calculated in months. Under the present
invention, each absolute interaction date involves determining the
difference between an interaction date and a reference date. For
example, if Jun. 1, 2003is the present a date and is selected as a
reference date, the absolute interaction date for an electronic
interaction occurring on Jan. 1, 2003 would be (Jun. 1, 2003-Jan.
1, 2003) or 5 months.
[0071] Using this formula, the sum of the absolute interaction
dates in months for the relationship between users 14A and 14B=
(Jun. 1, 2003-Jan. 1, 2003)+(Jun. 1, 2003-Feb. 1, 2003)=5 months+4
months=9 months
[0072] Similarly, the sum of the absolute interaction dates in
months for the relationship between users 14B and 14C=
(Jun. 1, 2003-Jan. 1, 2002)+(Jun. 1, 2003-Feb. 1, 2002)=17
months+16 months=33 months
[0073] The sum of the absolute interaction dates in months for the
relationship between users 14A and 14C=
(Jun. 1, 2003-Jan. 1, 2003)+(Jun. 1, 2003-May 1, 2003)=5 months+1
month=6 months
[0074] These values represent the numerators of each respect
relative recency value (ratio). The denominator is determined based
on the maximum (greatest) sum of absolute interaction dates for
users 14A-C. Specifically, in viewing these values, it can be
determined that the maximum (greatest) sum of the absolute
interaction dates in months for each pair of users 14A-C is 33
months. Specifically, the denominator for each pair of users 14A-C
is calculated by the following:
For user 14A MAX (9 months, 6 months)=9 months
For user 14B MAX (9 months, 33 months)=33 months
For user 14C MAX (33 months, 6 months)=33 months
[0075] Accordingly:
For users 14A-14B MAX (9 months, 33 months)=33 months
For users 14B-C MAX (33 months, 33 months)=33 months
For users 14A-C MAX (9 months, 33 months)=33 months
[0076] Using these values, the relative recency value between users
14A and 14B=9 months/33 months=0.27 or 27%.
[0077] The relative recency value between users 14B and 14C=33
months/33 months=1.0 or 100%.
[0078] Lastly, the relative recency value between users 14A and
14C=6 months/33 months=0.18 or 18%.
[0079] Using the above examples, it can be seen that for the
relationship between users 14A and 14B, we have the following
values:
[0080] Relative total value=0.33
[0081] Relative exclusive value=0.08
[0082] Relative longevity value=1
[0083] Relative recency value=0.27
[0084] Once these values are determined, weighting system 54 will
normalize the values. Specifically, weighting system 54 will apply
a weighting factor to each relative value to yield weighted values.
Thereafter, summation system 56 will sum the weighted values to
yield a relationship strength. For example, assume we give each
relative value 25% weight. Then the relationship strength would be
calculated as follows:
(0.33.times.0.25)+(0.08.times.0.25)+(1.times.0.25)+(0.27.times.0.25)=0.082-
5+0.02+0.25+0.0675=0.42 or 42%.
[0085] This relationship strength can be compared to a
predetermined standard to determine its relative strength. For
example, a predetermined standard could be on the range of 0-100,
with 100 being the strongest possible relationship and 0 being the
weakest. In this case, the relationship between users 14A and 14B
would likely be considered to have below-average strength.
[0086] Referring now to FIG. 3, a flow diagram 100 of a method
according to the present invention is shown. As depicted, first
step S1 is to determine a relative total value based on a total
quantity of electronic interactions between a first user and a
second user of the computerized network. Second step S2 is to
determine a relative exclusive value based on a total quantity of
electronic interactions exclusively between the first user and the
second user. Third step S3 is to determine a relative longevity
value based on a length of time the first user and the second user
have been electronically interacting. Fourth step S4 is to
determine a relative recency value based a recency of electronic
interactions between the first user and the second user. Fifth step
S5 is to weight the relative total value, the relative exclusive
value, the relative recency value and the relative longevity value
to yield normalized values. Sixth step S6 is to calculate a
relationship strength between the first user and the second user
based on the normalized values.
[0087] It is understood that the present invention can be realized
in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.
Any kind of computer/server system(s)--or other apparatus adapted
for carrying out the methods described herein--is suited. A typical
combination of hardware and software could be a general-purpose
computer system with a computer program that, when loaded and
executed, carries out the respective methods described herein.
Alternatively, a specific use computer, containing specialized
hardware for carrying out one or more of the functional tasks of
the invention, could be utilized. The present invention can also be
embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the
respective features enabling the implementation of the methods
described herein, and which--when loaded in a computer system--is
able to carry out these methods. Computer program, software
program, program, or software, in the present context mean any
expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of
instructions intended to cause a system having an information
processing capability to perform a particular function either
directly or after either or both of the following: (a) conversion
to another language, code or notation; and/or (b) reproduction in a
different material form.
[0088] The foregoing description of various aspects of the
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many
modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and
variations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art are
intended to be included within the scope of the invention as
defined by the accompanying claims. For example, the order in which
the relative values are determined is not intended to be a limiting
part of this invention. That is, any of the relative values could
be determined in any order.
* * * * *